Certified Residential Appraiser Practice Exam

Which characteristic does NOT describe physically possible land use?

1. Legal Constraints

2. Financial Limits

3. Physical Limitations

4. Social Acceptability

The correct answer is: Social Acceptability

The characteristic that does not describe physically possible land use is social acceptability. When evaluating land use options, physically possible land use revolves around the tangible, measurable factors that dictate what can happen on a piece of land. These include legal constraints, which relate to zoning laws and regulations; financial limits, which refer to the economic feasibility of carrying out a specific land use; and physical limitations, which cover the natural features of the land such as topography, soil type, and existing infrastructure. Social acceptability, however, pertains to societal attitudes and perceptions about various land uses. While social acceptability can influence decisions and may indeed impact the practical application of a land use plan, it does not determine what is physically possible on the land. The presence of legal, financial, and physical constraints defines the parameters within which land use options can be considered viable. In contrast, social factors may change over time and are not a determinant of the land's physical capabilities.